Sports & Community Development Volunteer Project in Zambia

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Facilitate Sports Lessons & Build Self Confidence in Youth

Calling all sports gurus! Share your passion with rural Zambian schoolchildren. Physical education is absent from their curriculum, leaving them lacking the joy and benefits of movement. Become their champion as a sport volunteer in Zambia! Lead fun, engaging activities, fostering teamwork, self-confidence, and a love for exercise. Witness the magic unfold as mental and physical health blossom, life skills ignite, and futures transform.

Project Highlights

  • Bring a fun, creative and dynamic approach to delivering sport lessons to children of primary school age in Zambia
  • Assist with a variety of after-school sports clubs and share your favourite sport
  • Teach lessons on physical health and general life skills at schools, focusing on issues like hygiene, nutrition, communication and teamwork
  • Tick one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World off your bucket list, Victoria Falls
  • Live and work in the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Africa, where you can bungee-jump, go white-water-rafting or take to the skies on a microlight flight

Quick Facts

Livingstone, Zambia

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport

Specific Start Dates

10 days - 12 weeks

Impact: Sports Development

$1,995 – $5,150

Destination

Zambia is an adrenaline-pumping adventure woven with the soul of a friendly, vibrant town. Picture this: your heart thumps against your ribs as you bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge, the misty spray of Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the Smoke that Thunders,” swirling beneath you. Or you can take a dip in the legendary Devil’s Pool, perched precariously at the edge of the falls. Adventure isn’t all that awaits sports volunteers in Zambia, Livingstone’s heart beats with the rhythm of a rich culture and history. Enjoy dinner overlooking the Zambezi river and take in the most spectacular sunsets you’ve ever seen.

ACCOMODATION

All volunteers stay in a comfortable, private house located within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. Volunteers will have access to all the facilities, including a spacious dining area, bar, swimming pool, and even a rock-climbing wall! ​

The Backpackers is conveniently located a short 5-minute walk away from the town centre of Livingstone, where you’ll find grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Bedrooms sleep 4-8 people, with bunk beds in each room, and there are shared bathrooms with hot water showers.

At the Backpackers, you will receive 3 meals a day, cooked by local chefs, that are a combination of international and local flavours. For breakfast you can expect cereal and toast, along with a cooked option such as eggs or pancakes. Lunch could be a wrap, pizza or sandwich paired with a fresh crispy salad. For dinner you might have a pasta dish or an authentic stew!

To keep in touch with family and friends back home during your volunteer program in Zambia, Victoria Falls Backpackers has complimentary WiFi for you to use during your stay. You can also purchase a SIM card with data bundles if you wish.

Weather in Livingstone tends to be stable and sunny from August until late October when the “monsoon” rains start to hit. Either side of this time, the weather is very pleasant. The climate is tropical or subtropical depending on altitude, with a hot, humid, and rainy season from mid-November to March and a dry season from April to mid-November. October is typically the hottest month of the year.

Participant Requirements

AGE

Our minimum age for sports volunteering in Zambia is 17 years of age. Parental Consent is required before arrival for those aged 17. We can also accept volunteers 15 years of age if travelling with a parent, but other adult companions need to be discussed ahead of time.

To travel to Africa, many people are required to obtain a visa either upon entry to the relevant country or beforehand. Please note different countries require different passport validity periods.

But don’t panic, our Journey Team will help direct you and answer your questions during our Pre-departure process.

Project Impact Areas

PE LESSONS

You’ll work as a sports volunteer once a week across five different schools, leading engaging classes, introducing new games, and crafting innovative lessons that blend theory and practice, fostering deeper understanding and skill development. These sports coaching sessions will be your opportunity to unleash your creativity and initiative, perhaps relating them to exciting events like the Olympics or sharing your expertise in a specific sport.

HEALTH CLUB

Join fellow sports volunteers in leading essential health education sessions for 10-13 year olds at a local community school. You’ll lead 2-hour sessions that cater to around 20 students, giving you the change to transform important topics like fire prevention, wound care, hygiene, nutrition, and exercise into engaging, interactive lessons. Witness tangible improvements in their knowledge as you foster a vibrant learning environment. We encourage your unique insights and welcome suggestions for new topics to explore!

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SPORTS EDUCATION

If you have any particular sports and outdoor hobbies you would like to share, we would love to try and accommodate them! The children at the schools are always keen to learn new activities. We can set up a class for you to teach netball, yoga, athletics, cricket, baseball, or whatever your interest is during your sports volunteer program in Zambia. Equipment is very difficult to come by, so please keep that in mind; if you are able to acquire donated sporting equipment, the community will greatly appreciate it.

Impact title

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On-the-ground Project Support

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FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL

A friendly face from our Base Team will be ready to meet you at the airport and drive you to our Volunteer Accommodation. Just look out for the African Impact sign!

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SAFETY

On arrival you’ll have a comprehensive induction to prepare you for project work, the local culture, people and wildlife; and of course, how to stay safe!

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STAFF

24/7 support: Our base teams are on hand every day to make sure you have the most amazing and memorable time in Africa.

Program Experience

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Recommended activities in Zambia

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SAFARI TIME

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a convenient safari where you can spot elephants, zebras and more, against beautiful backdrops of the Zambezi River. The real highlight of the park is the re-introduced white rhino, which you can track on foot – unforgettable experience! There’s also Chobe National Park across the border in Botswana, famed for its huge elephant population. An overnight safari to this National Park is a popular weekend activity that many past volunteers have enjoyed.

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VICTORIA FALLS

The mighty Zambezi River beckons with exhilarating activities: cruise its vast expanse, battle the rapids on a white-water rafting expedition, or explore hidden waterways on a tranquil canoe trip. Feeling truly adventurous? Take the plunge with a heart-stopping bungee jump or soar through the gorge on a thrilling swing – all within easy reach of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.

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TOURS AND MARKETS

Livingstone has a rich culture and you can embark on a walking or cycling village tour to a local African village, giving you further insight into the traditional way of life. You can also shop at some of the many markets and stock up on locally hand-made goods for your loved ones back home or find interesting local foods to try.

Project Dates & Rates

When would you like to volunteer?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also say ‘I’m not sure yet.’ We’ll take it from there.

How long would you like to volunteer?

This is the place to select your preferred duration(s). The African Impact team recommend at least 4 weeks for a truly memorable experience!

10 days $1995
2 weeks $2150
3 weeks $2450
4 weeks $2750
5 weeks $3050
6 weeks $3350
7 weeks $3650
8 weeks $3950
9 weeks $4250
10 weeks $4550
11 weeks $4850
12 weeks $5150

Personal Information

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By opting in to SMS and WhatsApp communication, you give consent to receive text messages from African Impact that will assist in booking your placement. You can opt-out at any time by texting STOP.
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Project Fee Includes:

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Airport transfers
  • All project related transport during your stay
  • All activities and entrance fees as per the workshop itinerary

Project Fee Excludes:

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa-related costs
  • Weekend trips or tours
  • Snacks, soft drinks, gifts, and souvenirs
  • Mandatory contribution of US$25 that is donated to the African Impact Sustainability Fund

Zambia Sports Volunteering FAQs

Do I need to be a professional athlete or coach to volunteer?

While prior experience in sports coaching is a plus, it’s not essential to become a sports volunteer in Zambia. We welcome individuals with a passion for sports, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout your sports coaching placement, equipping you with the necessary skills to effectively engage and motivate young athletes.

Beyond teaching them sports skills, you’ll be a positive role model and mentor, fostering teamwork, leadership, and essential life skills in a fun and engaging environment. Your dedication can inspire them to pursue their dreams, develop a healthy lifestyle, and become responsible members of their community. You’ll also contribute to creating a safe space for them to play, learn, and socialize, fostering positive development and well-being.

Volunteering as a sports coach in Zambia will be an enriching experience on both personal and professional levels. You’ll develop valuable leadership and communication skills, gain firsthand experience working in a cross-cultural environment, and broaden your understanding of global issues. Additionally, the joy of seeing young people grow and thrive through your coaching will leave a lasting impact on you!

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